Neuchâtel: Culture, Jura and Lakes

Neuchâtel offers visitors striking contrasts between watchmaking culture, Jura rock landscapes and Lake Neuchâtel. Its UNESCO heritage tells the story of urban development closely linked to watchmaking, while hiking trails lead through gorges or to remarkable natural formations. Absinthe, wine and weather-dependent winter activities round out the picture. You can plan your trip around your own interests.

Watchmaking and UNESCO Heritage

Five of Switzerland’s 56 UNESCO sites of prehistoric pile dwellings around the Alps are located in the canton of Neuchâtel. The watchmaking urban planning of Le Locle and La Chaux-de-Fonds is also UNESCO-recognized. Parallel city blocks, homes and workshops reflect how the towns developed around watchmaking.

The knowledge and craftsmanship of watchmaking and mechanical art were added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020. In Switzerland, this tradition is concentrated along the Jura Arc, including the canton of Neuchâtel. Anyone interested in technical and artisanal history will find a collection of 4,000 objects at the Musée international d’horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The exhibits include sundials and atomic clocks.

Rock Landscapes and Hiking Trails

The Creux du Van is an area recognized by the canton of Neuchâtel for its landscape, geological and ecological value. Formed by water and ice erosion, this rocky cirque is more than one kilometer wide. Its vertical rock faces are over 160 meters high; the 360-degree panorama stretches across the lakes of the Swiss Plateau, the Alps, the Jura valleys and France. Its diverse flora and fauna include ibex, chamois, lynx and marmots; sightings are not guaranteed.

Hiking trails to the Creux du Van start at the railway stations in Noiraigue, Travers, Champ-du-Moulin, Bevaix and Saint-Aubin. The route covers 14 kilometers and has 14 hairpin bends; some climbs and descents require stamina. Trail conditions can vary by season, so check them before your hike.

Another route runs through the Gorges de l’Areuse from Noiraigue to Boudry. It is 12 kilometers long and takes about 3 hours and 7 minutes. Stone bridges, footbridges, stairs, narrow rocky passages and rock faces shape the route. From Neuchâtel, take the train to Noiraigue or Champ-du-Moulin; you can return from Boudry by tram. Check current timetables before setting off.

Lake Neuchâtel and the Three Lakes Region

Lake Neuchâtel covers 220 km² and is the largest lake located entirely within Switzerland. The Three Lakes Region connects Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Murten via the Zihl and Broye canals. Passenger boats serve 18 stops on Lake Neuchâtel. The journey across the entire lake from Neuchâtel via Estavayer-le-Lac to Yverdon-les-Bains takes a little over three hours; check the timetable in advance.

The eastern part of Lake Neuchâtel has a lakeside landscape of bays, reed beds and trails. A hiking trail connects Vaumarcus and Marin along the lake. Seasonal stand-up paddling offers another way to experience the region from the water.

Absinthe, Asphalt and Wine

The Maison de l’Absinthe in Môtiers explores the botanical origins of absinthe, its tasting rituals, its period of prohibition and its role in local life. A visit can continue with a tasting or time at the bar; current visitor arrangements may vary.

The Séchoir à absinthe in Boveresse is one of the last absinthe drying lofts in the Val-de-Travers. The Barrelet brothers built it in 1893 to dry plants; today it is listed as a historic monument. Its tour explains how work was organized around absinthe cultivation. The “Découverte du patrimoine de l’absinthe” tour starts at the Distillerie Persoz in Couvet and ends at the Séchoir in Boveresse. It includes six absinthe tastings. Meeting points may vary, and the tour’s availability may change; check both in advance.

The Mines d’asphalte reveal another side of the region’s history: a visit takes you through underground tunnels associated with historic asphalt mining. Visitors can sample the local specialty jambon cuit dans l’asphalte there. Visiting hours vary by season, and the tasting may depend on the visitor offer available at the time.

In Boudry, the Musée de la vigne et du vin in the Château de Boudry explores the development of winemaking, vine cultivation and Swiss wine-growing traditions. The cantonal wine-tasting cellar in the same château offers tastings of wines from the Neuchâtel wine region. Check current tasting arrangements before your visit.

Winter Trip Ideas

Lac des Taillères lies near La Brévine at an altitude of 1,039 meters, in a landscape bordered by fir trees and pastures. It can be reached by car, on foot, by bicycle or on cross-country skis. In winter, it often turns into a natural ice rink; whether this is possible depends on the weather. La Robella adds to the winter activities with nine marked ski and snowboard runs covering a total of 20 kilometers. The runs are subject to the season and snow conditions.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: La Chaux-de-Fonds, Le Locle, Val-de-Ruz, Neuchâtel, Boudry, Val-de-Travers, Solothurn, Bern

For the higher-level travel overview: Switzerland.